The rise of e-scooter accidents in Chicago: Who’s responsible?

Scooter Accidents - February 14, 2025 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates

E-scooters are a growing trend in micromobility, providing users an efficient and cost-effective way to travel short distances or tour Chicago. They are also a popular source of recreation. Unfortunately, the rise in e-scooter use has also prompted a rise in e-scooter accidents. Connect with the Chicago scooter accident attorneys for help getting justice and compensation after an accident. We will work to identify the responsible party and hold them accountable for paying you damages.

E-scooter accident facts

The City of Chicago’s e-scooter-sharing program has widespread use, with city government transportation data showing over 2.1 million rides over a recent year. However, use does not come without risk to the rider and others sharing the streets and sidewalks.

A study cited by the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission shows that in a recent year, injuries from micromobility-related accidents increased by almost 21% and then by 22% the following year, continuing an upward trend.

Types of e-scooter injuries

The same study indicated the most common types of injuries caused by e-scooter accidents are “fractures, followed by contusions/abrasions.” Parts of the body most frequently injured are the “upper and lower limbs…head and neck. A key takeaway from a study referenced by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) is that scooter-related injuries are more likely to require “surgical management” and come with “greater risks of long bone fractures and paralysis” than bicycle injuries.

Causes of e-scooter accidents

Discovering the cause of an e-scooter accident is an important first step in an injury claim. The cause helps reveal the negligent party you will ultimately file against. Common causes of accidents include:

  • Mechanical problems: Some accidents occur when an e-scooter’s brakes activate without warning or activate too powerfully, ejecting riders. Other times, brakes may not engage quickly or powerfully enough for riders to slow down and avoid collision
  • Structural problems: The “deck”–the platform riders stand on–may collapse if unable to withstand constant use or if made from inferior materials. Weak handlebars and weak posts, such as the pole connecting the handlebars and the deck, can come loose. The front wheels of a scooter have 90-degree-turn capabilities, and accidents can happen if the wheel makes an unexpected swivel during a ride.
  • Electrical malfunctions: Batteries power e-scooters, and if the power source dies unexpectedly mid-ride, riders may lose control or balance from the abrupt stop. Lithium-ion batteries power many e-scooters and can overheat and catch fire if not properly maintained or from a manufacturing defect
  • Human errors: Scooter operators may drive recklessly or ignore traffic rules. Inexperienced operators may lack the ability to balance, manage their speed, or steer effectively
  • Bad road conditions: Potholes, cracks, and other pavement defects are e-scooter hazards. Operators can be sent completely off-course and out of control after encountering these road-surface dangers

Determining who is responsible for an e-scooter accident

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has the experience, the resources, and the know-how to carry out a full investigation to identify the cause of your accident and determine who to hold responsible. The responsible party could be:

  • The scooter manufacturer: Product designers and producers are responsible for manufacturing safe, well-constructed vehicles.
  • The scooter company: Several companies hold scooter-sharing licenses in Chicago, and they may be responsible for the vehicles’ maintenance.
  • A government office: City or county governments must keep roads in safe riding condition and clearly designate scooter lanes or areas prohibiting scooters.
  • The scooter operator: Drivers must operate their scooters responsibly and according to traffic safety regulations.
  • Other drivers: Other-vehicle drivers must be observant, noting scooter riders and taking care to avoid collisions.

Our Chicago scooter accident attorneys will fight to hold the negligent party accountable for paying you damages, compiling convincing evidence to support your claim and settlement demand.

Compensation for e-scooter accidents

Clients often want to know how much their case is worth. Predicting an amount is impossible as every case has unique factors affecting the possible compensation amount. However, we can promise to fight for the maximum, working to restore the costs of your medical bills, income loss, and other accident-related costs and to have your pain and suffering financially acknowledged.

The other side will try to minimize your damages or put the blame on you to reduce their payout under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence laws. Protect yourself with representation from our powerful, effective team. We will fight against unfair allegations of blame, build a strong case, and demand justice.

Make the move toward justice today

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates has been fighting for injured victims for over 100 years, and we are ready to fight for you. You deserve compensation for injuries and losses incurred by someone else’s negligence. Whether the negligent party is a company, government entity, or private individual, we know what it takes to hold them accountable and get justice.

Call us at (800) 985-1819  or connect here to schedule your free case consultation.